The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission heard at its regular December
meeting that the Wildlife Department will be proposing a variety of hunting
regulation changes for next year at public meetings to be held in January across
the state.

Most prominent on the list of changes are proposals to add seven days onto
the regular deer gun season, and create a special three-day antlerless only
youth deer gun season in mid-October.

“We are proposing these changes for two reasons,” said Alan Peoples,
wildlife chief for the Department. “First, we want to provide additional
opportunities to Oklahoma sportsmen, and second, to allow us to better manage
our wildlife resources across the state.”

The statewide youth deer gun season proposal is modeled after similar seasons
in other states.

“It is important that we do what we can to introduce young hunters to the
sport,” Peoples said. “This youth deer season would provide a great
opportunity for youth to spend time afield.”

Other proposed rule changes include: making muzzleloading pistols legal for
deer hunting during the muzzleloader season, closing rabbit season February 15,
and several housekeeping items affecting wildlife management areas and the Deer
Management Assistance Program.

In other business, Commissioners saw an online license sales presentation
from Melinda Sturgess-Streich, chief of administration for the Department.

“We feel this will be a great resource for the sportsmen of the state, as
well provide an additional way to sell licenses which will be both efficient and
cost-effective,” Sturgess-Streich said.

Targeted to debut in 2003, online license sales will provide both residents
and non-residents alike the ability to buy a hunting or fishing license from the
comfort of their home. Commissioners approved a $3 convenience fee to help
defray the costs of accepting online credit card orders.

Commissioners approved a single elk hunt, to be sold by sealed bid auction,
on Cookson Hills Wildlife Management Area. The proceeds will again go to sponsor
the Hunters Against Hunger program.

Commissioners voted to accept a $17,000 donation for the Hunters Against
Hunger program. The funds were from an auction last August to benefit the
successful program, which the Department now administers. Since 1991, this
program has continued to grow through the generosity of Oklahoma sportsmen. In
the year 2001 alone, Oklahoma hunters donated more than 25,800 pounds of venison
to the Hunters Against Hunger program, which facilitates the distribution of the
deer meat to needy families in the state. The unique program helped to provide
103,000 meals during the past year.

Commissioners accepted a donation of $3,880 from the Oklahoma Game Wardens
Association to be used for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s
Youth Camp.

“This is a great program the Department offers,” said John Streich, law
enforcement chief for the Department. “It is great to see these kids interact
with wildlife professionals in a positive environment.”

Held near Ponca City, the four-day camp offers approximately 40 youths the
opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation and the responsibilities of
game wardens, biologists, and other wildlife professionals.

Commissioners accepted a donation of $500 from Dennis Byrd, former New York
Jets professional football player. The donation will go to pay for aircraft
rental time to patrol several areas in northeast Oklahoma.

A 25-year lease between the City of Antlers and the Department for a radio
tower in Pushmataha County was approved by Commissioners.

In other business, Director Greg Duffy commended Jamie Cole, Oklahoma Game
Warden for Pawnee County, for his 20 years of service to the Department.

“Jamie has been a valuable employee for the Department in both the
Fisheries and Law Enforcement divisions,” Duffy said.

Cole originally started work at the Durant Fish Hatchery where he became the
assistant hatchery manager; he has been in law enforcement since 1987.

Earl Groves, district manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, presented
a certificate of appreciation to Harold Namminga, federal aid coordinator for
the Department.

“For over 30 years the Corps of Engineers has had an excellent working
relationship with the Department,” Groves said. “Harold’s work on a
variety of projects has been invaluable and it is employees like him who have
made this working relationship such a success.”

Namminga and fellow Wildlife Department personnel played an integral role in
the recent completion of a boat launch complex on Keystone Lake near Mannford.
The project was a cooperative effort between the Department, the City of
Mannford, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of
the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Wildlife Commission
establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, sets policy for the Wildlife
Department, and indirectly oversees all state fish and wildlife conservation
activities. Commission members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by
the Senate.

The next scheduled Commission meeting is January 6 at the Oklahoma Department
of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium), at the corner of 18th and
North Lincoln, Oklahoma City at 9:00 a.m.

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation officials will soon bring a
slate of proposed hunting regulation changes to public meetings in January
across the state. Most notable among the 23 proposed changes are an extension of
the deer gun season to 16 days and a new statewide antlerless youth deer hunt.

“We are always looking for ways to provide more opportunities for the
sportsmen of the state, while at the same time doing the best job possible in
managing the state’s wildlife resources,” said Alan Peoples, wildlife
division chief for the Department.

According to Peoples, the Department is proposing opening the deer gun season
to open the Saturday before Thanksgiving and running it for 16 consecutive days.
Currently the deer gun season opens on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and runs
nine days.

“The Oklahoma deer herd has been rapidly expanding over the last several
decades, and an extended season would allow hunters more time to get out and
have the chance to harvest a deer,” Peoples said. “There seems to be a
growing desire of not only hunters, but also landowners for a longer season.”

Peoples also pointed to the proposed new statewide antlerless youth deer hunt
as one of the most important changes that will be brought to the public
meetings. The proposal would create a special three-day antlerless deer gun
season in mid October for those under 18 years of age.

“It is important that we do what we can to introduce young hunters to the
sport,” Peoples said. “This youth deer season would provide a great
opportunity for youth to spend time afield.”

Also included in the list of proposals are a wide variety of changes designed
to increase hunter opportunity, clarify the language of the law, better manage
Oklahoma wildlife resources and respond to hunter’s desires.

Another proposed rule change is making muzzleloading pistols legal for deer
hunting during the muzzleloader season. Currently, muzzleloader hunters are
allowed to carry a muzzleloading pistol as a secondary firearm. The rule change
would make muzzleloading pistol, .40 caliber or larger, legal as a primary
firearm.

Department officials are proposing to close rabbit season on February 15.
Currently, rabbit season closes on March 15 and while there is no biological
data to suggest late-season hunting hurts the rabbit population, some hunters
have expressed concern that late-season hunting could have an effect on rabbit
reproduction.

Honobia and Three Rivers wildlife management areas (WMAs) in southeast
Oklahoma are two of the most popular WMAs in the state. The Department is
proposing to create a three-day special use permit ($5) for residents to use
these areas for nonhunting/nonfishing related activities. Currently, residents
between 18 and 64 years of age using these areas must possess a $16 Land Access
Permit.

Also included in the proposed provisions are several housekeeping items
affecting hunting on wildlife management areas and the Deer Management
Assistance Program.

According to Peoples, one of the most important parts of the rule changing
process is taking the proposals to public meetings across the state.

“We are looking forward to getting out and meeting everyone and hearing how
they feel about these proposed changes,” Peoples said. “It’s vital that we
get the public input on these decisions, after all, wildlife in Oklahoma is
owned by the people of Oklahoma.”

Following is a list of public meeting sites and dates to discuss the proposed
rule changes. All meetings begin at 7:00 p.m.

Over 50,000 Oklahoma hunters took to the woods last year in an attempt to
harvest an elusive wild turkey. Beginning next month, Oklahomans will have to go
only as far as their front drive to find a wild turkey.

The newest wildlife conservation vehicle license plate featuring a mature tom
turkey is set to debut in late January. The turkey plate is the fifth in a
series of conservation plates with the others being a white-tailed deer,
scissor-tailed flycatcher, largemouth bass and bobwhite quail.

“These plates are a great way to dress up your vehicle,” said Ron
Suttles, Natural Resources coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation. “They are also a great way to show your love of wildlife and
wildlife conservation.”

According to Suttles, wildlife conservation plates are a great gift for
hunters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts and are the most popular
specialty plates offered.

The plates cost just $25 above your regular annual registration fee, and the
best part is that as much as $20 of this cost is earmarked for Oklahoma’s
Wildlife Diversity Program. Over 10,000 wildlife conservation plates are on the
road today, representing a significant contribution to the Wildlife Diversity
Program.

Order forms for the unique tags can be found on the Wildlife Department’s
Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com
Applications for the tags can also be picked up at any local tag agents and the
plates can be customized for no extra charge.

-30-

Photo
Cutline: The newest wildlife conservation vehicle license plate featuring a
mature tom turkey is set to debut in late January. The plates cost just $25
above your regular annual registration fee, and the best part is that as much as
$20 of this cost is earmarked for Oklahoma’s Wildlife Diversity Program. The
turkey plate is the fifth in a series of conservation plates with the others
being a white-tailed deer, scissor-tailed flycatcher, largemouth bass and
bobwhite quail.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Wildlife Diversity Program
will be holding its annual winter bird survey in January. Amateur and
experienced bird watchers are asked to help with this important survey.

"This survey has been conducted since 1987," said Melynda Hickman,
natural resources biologist for the Department. "It contributes to the
Department's expanding database of winter bird information including bird
preferences for different types of habitats, seeds, and feeders."

To participate in the simple survey, pick two consecutive days within the
four-day period of January 9-12, 2003, and as accurately as is reasonable, count
the birds that visit your feeders. Record the greatest number of birds seen
together at any one time. While several groups of the same species of bird may
appear numerous times over the two days, record only the greatest number seen
together concurrently.

Record observations on the official Winter Bird Feeder Survey form available
at www.wildlifedepartment.com/2003wintersurvey.htm. Mail the completed survey to
the address on the bottom of the form. All forms must be mailed in no later than
Feb. 9 to be counted. Instant electronic submissions are also possible under the
Watchable Wildlife link on the Department's Web site: www.wildlifedepartment.com.

The survey results will be printed in “Outdoor Oklahoma” and in the
Wildlife Diversity Program's newsletter, “Watchable Wildlife News”. Results
will also be posted on the Department's Web site. The information will include
the species and numbers of each species observed, the areas of the state they
were observed in and the most effective method for attracting those species.

More information regarding the Winter Bird Survey or the Wildlife Diversity
Program is available by calling the Department at (405) 424-0099.

Thanks to good weather and abundant opportunities,
Oklahoma deer hunters are on pace to have another good harvest for the 2002
season.

After tallying harvest totals from the recent deer gun
season, personnel from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
registered a preliminary harvest total of 83,388 deer, slightly off last years
mark of 85,675 deer taken this time last year. That number does not include deer
that will be taken in the late archery season, antlerless deer taken during the
special antlerless deer season or on land enrolled in the Deer Management
Assistance Program, nor deer harvested during controlled hunts.

“We’re on track for another solid harvest,” said Mike
Shaw, wildlife research supervisor for the Department. “I am particularly
pleased to see the total does harvested was essentially the same as last year.
We won’t know until after the special antlerless deer seasons, but my hope is
that we end up with a fairly good increase in doe harvest.”

According to Shaw, there was a variety of reasons that
attribute to the decline of 2,287 total deer harvested over last year.

“There are many factors involved in deer harvest from
weather to hunter participation to deer populations, you can’t really say it was
one thing or another,” Shaw said. “Certainly a week of rainy weather during
muzzleloader season kept some hunters out of the woods and plenty of acorns and
browse meant deer did not have to move as far between food sources. Reports from
field biologists and wardens across the state said hunter participation levels
seemed somewhat lower than previous years, but most said that rutting activity
was significantly off compared to last year."

There is still plenty of opportunity for deer hunters
to harvest a deer with the special antlerless deer gun seasons coming soon. The
first three-day hunt, to be held Dec. 20 through 22, will be restricted to the
north central and northwestern portion of the state. Much of the state, except
for far southwest, far southeast and panhandle, also will have three days of
antlerless-only gun hunting running from Dec. 27 through 29. Hunters should
consult the antlerless deer hunt zone map on page 16 of the “2002-2003 Oklahoma
Hunting Guide” to determine which areas will offer the special antlerless deer
gun seasons.

"These special antlerless deer gun seasons were
established to better manage the state's deer population and so far they have
been a success," said Shaw. "By increasing the antlerless deer harvest, hunters
will be helping to balance the state's deer population with available habitat,
improve buck to doe ratios for better herd health, reduce agricultural
depredation and reduce deer/vehicle collisions. The most sound management
strategy that can be employed in those areas is to harvest more antlerless
deer."

Hunters who participate in the special antlerless deer
gun season must possess a special antlerless deer gun license in addition to
their annual hunting license. Lifetime hunting and combination license holders
are exempt and do not need to buy the special antlerless deer gun license.

The statewide season limit during the special
antlerless deer gun season is one antlerless deer. All hunters participating in
the special gun season must comply with the same blaze orange requirements as
set forth for the regular deer gun season, as well as tagging and checking
requirements. Archery deer hunters afield in areas open to the special
antlerless gun hunting and those hunting other species (quail, squirrel,
pheasant, etc.) must wear either a blaze orange hat or vest.

To learn more about the special antlerless gun season
and deer management in Oklahoma, consult the 2002-2003 Oklahoma Hunting Guide”
or log on to the ODWC's Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com. Look under the
"Hunting" link for complete deer season information.

"Oklahoma waterfowlers have benefited greatly from the
duck stamp program," said David Warren, information and education chief for the
Department. "Through the program, critical funds have been generated to
establish and maintain nearly 30 wetland development units across the state. Not
only do these areas provide resting habitat for migrating waterfowl, but they
provide habitat for a host of other species such as wading birds and small
mammals."

Funds generated from the sale of Oklahoma waterfowl
stamps go toward a number of habitat related projects, including purchasing,
restoring and creating wetlands.

Three honorable mentions were named in the 2003
contest as well. They were; Kathy Burleson-Cannon of Newcastle, OK, Kenneth
Nanney of Grand Prairie, TX and Jerry Czech of Webster, NY.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and
the Oklahoma Station Chapter Safari Club International (OSCSCI) recently
announced the results of its annual Youth Writing Competition.

"Oklahoma’s youth writing competition is divided into
two categories," said Colin Berg, education section supervisor for the Wildlife
Department. "Students ages 11-14 compete in a junior category and students ages
15-17 compete in the senior division. Students have the option of writing an
essay or a short story about sharing their hunting heritage."

Winners in the ages 11-14 category were Chelsea Cates,
14, of Leedey and Tony Bolin, 14 of Leedey. Winners in the ages 15-17 category
were Merlanda Klein, 17, of Butler and Josh Walker, 15, of Tulsa.

"The winners in the age 11-14 age category receive a
scholarship to the Y O Ranch Apprentice Hunter Program," added Berg. "One male
and one female annually are selected in the age 15-17 category, and they receive
an all expenses paid antelope hunt in New Mexico. Publishing of the winning
entries qualifies the writers to enter a national essay contest sponsored by the
Outdoor Writers Association of America."

The Youth Writing Competition is designed to promote
America’s hunting heritage among Oklahoma’s youth. It provides them an
opportunity to express the importance of hunting in their lives and to affirm
their commitment to carrying on the hunting tradition. Students use the essays
or short stories to relive memorable hunts, to explain why hunting is important
to them and to recognize mentors who have influenced them to grow as hunters.

"OSCSCI values Oklahoma's hunting heritage and that is
why we are proud to sponsor the writing contest," said Sam Munhollon, OSCSCI
education program coordinator. "Writing about their hunting heritage gives
Oklahoma's youth a chance to keep in touch with the importance of honoring our
heritage and it emphasizes the importance of passing on that heritage."

The Wildlife Department and the OSCSCI will submit the
winning essays to the Youth Writing Contest held annually by the Outdoor Writers
Association of America.

Central Oklahoma anglers will again have a close-to-home opportunity to catch
rainbow trout beginning New Year’s Day. The trout season begins at Dolese Youth
Park Pond (NW 50th and Meridian) January 1 and will run through February 28
with new shipments of trout stocked approximately every two weeks.

“As part of our cooperative Close-to-Home fishing program with the Oklahoma
City Parks and Recreation Department, trout fishing at Dolese Youth Park Pond
offers a unique opportunity for anglers in the Oklahoma City metro area without
requiring them to purchase a state trout license,” said Kim Erickson, chief of
fisheries for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Two events are scheduled to help kick off this year’s season. A special
fishing clinic will be held Friday, January 17 at the Putnam City High School
gymnasium (directly south of Dolese Park) from 6:30-8 p.m. Instructors from the
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Aquatic Resource Education
Program will teach a variety of topics such as casting, angling ethics, knot
tying and special sessions on how to catch rainbow trout. Pre-register for the
clinic by calling (405) 755-4014.

A kid's trout derby will be held Saturday, Jan. 18, from 8:00 a.m. to noon at
the Dolese Youth Park Pond where participants will be eligible for several
drawing prizes. In order to participate in the derby all adults must be
accompanied by a child and all children under 12 must be accompanied by an
adult.

Dolese Youth Park Pond was stocked with rainbow trout last January and
February to evaluate its potential for an annual trout season. Through results
from creel surveys conducted last winter of more than 500 trout anglers, the
special season was a phenomenal success. An estimated 16,206 angler-hours (one
angler fishing for one hour) were spent during the two-month season. An
estimated 8,445 trout were harvested by anglers, which resulted in a 96 percent
harvest rate of the total fish stocked into the pond.

“The highlight of the trout season was the Dolese Trout Derby held last
January,” said Bob Martin, fisheries biologist with Oklahoma City Parks and
Recreation Department. “More than 700 anglers showed up to fish that day; and
more than half of them were kids.”

Through the Close-to-Home fishing program, several metro area fishing sites
are being improved for angler access. "OKC Parks and Recreation Department has
done an outstanding job making Dolese Youth Park Pond a great place for kids and
families to fish," said Erickson. “They’ve improved accessibility around the
entire perimeter of the pond, including the construction of wheelchair
accessible fishing areas close to the water’s edge.”

In order to trout fish at Dolese Youth Park Pond, anglers ages 16 to 62 must
possess an Oklahoma City fishing permit, and must comply with state fishing
license requirements, unless exempt. However, a state trout license is not
required to trout fish at Dolese at any time.

City fishing permits are $12.50 for an annual permit, or $2.00 for a daily
permit. Several Oklahoma City area fishing tackle retailers offer OKC fishing
permits as well as state fishing licenses. Anglers can call (405) 297-2191 to
get a complete list of license vendors. Among special regulations posted on
signs throughout Dolese Park, trout anglers may only use one fishing rod per
person and may only keep six trout per day.

Most duck and goose hunters know that prime time waterfowl hunting doesn’t
always take place on opening day.

“Generally speaking, waterfowl hunting can just get better and better as the
season goes on,” said Mike O’Meilia, migratory bird biologist for the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation. “Historically, we typically get a good
influx of birds around Christmas. There is no reason not to think the best is
yet to come.”

According to O’Meilia, waterfowl hunters have plenty of reason to be
optimistic about the rest of the season.

“Duck and goose numbers overall are fair right now, and we could really use
some rains, especially in eastern Oklahoma,” O’Meilia said. “There are still
good numbers of birds holding in portions of the northern Central Flyway. If it
doesn’t stay unusually mild to the north of us, the second half of the season
could really pick up. Hunters should be prepared because new birds could migrate
down at any time.”

O’Meilia added that, no matter what the weather conditions, scouting is the
key to success.

"Hunters who are mobile and can scout a variety of locations will have better
success than those who hunt the same areas all the time," said O'Meilia. "The
key is to find local concentrations of birds, which may move from day-to-day."

Hunters can do a little “virtual scouting” by logging on the Department’s Web
site and checking out the waterfowl reports at www.wildlifedepartment.com.
Hunters can find out if their hunting spot is holding ducks and geese with just
a few clicks of the mouse. The site also offers a status report of the habitat
conditions at wetland development units across the state.

The 2002-2003 Oklahoma waterfowl dates and bag limits remain essentially the
same as the last few years with two notable differences, a shortened pintail
season and a closed season on canvasbacks. For complete details see the
“2002-2003 Oklahoma Waterfowl Hunting Guide” available at hunting license
vendors or log on to wildlifedepartment.com

Waterfowl hunters should be sure they have a state waterfowl license and a
federal waterfowl stamp, along with their Migratory Bird Harvest Information
Program (HIP) Permit. The free HIP permits are required of all migratory bird
hunters in the United States. Data collected from the surveys helps state and
federal migratory bird biologists better gauge bird harvests and hunter numbers,
which are used to improve migratory bird management.

To say that private landowners have a major impact on wildlife habitat in the
state of Oklahoma is certainly an understatement. Because approximately 97
percent of the land in the state is owned by private individuals, the land
practices they choose are vital in conserving habitat and wildlife resources.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is working to provide
landowners the information they need to make wise land management decisions
through the “Your Side of the Fence” landowner newsletter.

“Hopefully, this newsletter will be a great resource for landowners who have
an eye on the bottom line, but also realize the importance of conserving
wildlife on their property,” said John Hendrix, private lands biologist for the
Department.

Each issue of “Your Side of the Fence” is packed with informative articles
covering issues that are important to landowners, from the latest farm bill
news, to pond management for fishing to controlling invasive range species. The
best part is that is absolutely free.

The newsletter is produced three times a year and previous issues can be seen
by logging on to the Department’s Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com

For more information about “Your Side of the Fence,” or to subscribe call,
(405) 521-2739 or write to:

It is not every day a win-win situation comes along, but the recently
completed private lands youth deer hunts were just that. Landowners got another
tool in managing deer herd on their property and the youth participants got a
great opportunity to harvest an antlerless deer.

“These private land youth hunts have been a success all the way around,” said
Alan Peoples, wildlife chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation. “They offer a great chance for young people to get exposed to the
sport of hunting and they help landowners by balancing out the buck to doe
ratio.”

Held in October and December, 100 youngsters participated in the hunts which
took place in 10 different counties. Most every participant left with a smile on
their face and a story to tell, and with a success rate of 70 percent, the
majority also left with fresh venison.

“These results show the great potential of youth hunts,” Peoples said. “The
proposed statewide youth antlerless deer hunt could build on the success of these
private land youth deer hunts.”

The Wildlife Department recently proposed several changes to the hunting
regulations for 2003. Most prominent on the list of changes are proposals to add
seven days onto the regular deer gun season, and create a special three-day
antlerless only youth deer gun season in mid-October. The statewide youth deer
gun season proposal is modeled after similar seasons in other states.

“It is important that we do what we can to introduce young hunters to the
sport,” Peoples said. “This youth deer season would provide a great opportunity
for youth to spend time afield.”

Peoples added that without the landowners’ willingness to allow hunts on
their property and the help of dedicated ODWC employees the youth hunts would
not have been possible.

“Wildlife Conservation Commissioners Douglas Schones and Bruce Mabrey have
really taken a leadership role in ensuring these youth hunts not only took
place, but were a success,” Peoples said. “And State Representative Jack Bonny
of Burns Flat was a great help in coordinating the Ft. Reno youth hunt.”

Department officials will be holding public meetings in January across the
state to discuss the proposed statewide youth deer hunting season as well as a
slate of other proposed regulation changes. To find a list of meeting times and
locations, log on to the Department’s Web site at
www.wildlifedepartment.com call (405) 521-2739.

Recent snowfall across much of the state has many hunters’ minds turning to
one of Oklahoma’s most traditional outdoor pursuits, rabbit hunting.

"Rabbit hunting is really a lot of fun. There are plenty of places to go and
it is a great way to spend the afternoon, especially if there is fresh snow on
the ground. The snow makes the rabbits a little easier to see and track, plus it
adds a little excitement to the hunt," said Nels Rodefeld, assistant chief of
information and education for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Whether they are pursued behind a pack of beagles or flushed from a fence
row, rabbits are one of the most accessible species that hunters go after. With
keen eyesight, sensitive hearing, camouflaged fur and blazing speed, cottontail
rabbits offer a challenge to hunters and have historically been an important
game animal in Oklahoma. Their prolific numbers have provided generations of
hunters with hours of sport and countless meals of tender rabbit stew.

"With this year’s rains and mild temperatures over the summer, there seems to
be good numbers of rabbits just about everywhere you go," Rodefeld said.

The cottontail rabbit has been successful in adapting to man's manipulations
of the environment. Good populations can be found just about any place where two
types of cover meet such as abandoned homesteads, tangled thickets and fence
rows. Rabbits also show a preference to areas not far from a water source
whether it be a pond, creek or spring.

According to Rodefeld, one of the best things about rabbit hunting is the
availability of hunting locations. While private land deer or turkey hot spots
may be challenging to obtain, many landowners will give permission to rabbit
hunters. Many wildlife management areas scattered around the state offer
first-rate rabbit hunting with minimal competition.

"Rabbit hunting is also a great way to expose a youngster to hunting,”
Rodefeld added. “Many older hunters learned the basics of hunting and hunting
safety while pursuing rabbits and it is still a great way to introduce novices
to the sport.”

The next time you head out after rabbits, bring a kid along. There is no
great need to be still and quiet. Plenty of walking keeps the chill off and you
don't even have to get up early to have a successful hunt.

With a season running through March 15, 2003, there is plenty of opportunity
to head afield for a few rabbits. Whether hunters take a shotgun or .22 rifle to
the field, a streaking rabbit can offer a challenge for even the most skilled
sportsmen.

There are three species of rabbits in the state. The cottontail weighs two to
four pounds and can be found in available habitat statewide.

The swamp rabbit weighs four to six pounds. It has shorter, sleeker fur than
the cottontail but is basically the same color. Its preferred habitat is
marshes, floodplain forests, sloughs and other areas of standing water. The
swamp rabbit can be found in isolated populations in the eastern one third of
the state.

The black-tailed jackrabbit, which is actually a member of the hare family,
is most common in the western regions of the state. It is the largest of
Oklahoma's rabbits weighing four to seven pounds and is easily distinguished by
its oversized ears.

SEASON DATES:

October 1 - March 15 for all three species * - jackrabbit hunting closed east
of I-35.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Tulsa office has
moved to its new location on the site of the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks.

"We have officially moved and are open for business at our new office
adjacent to the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks," said Colin Berg, education
supervisor for the Department. "Although the Aquarium grand opening isn’t until
March 1, people can access our office. The Department will have its own parking
lot, however until it is constructed visitors are asked to park at the north end
of the main aquarium parking lot. Our office is in a separate building on the
northwest end of the aquarium."

The Department is excited about its partnership with the Oklahoma
Aquarium, said Berg. The Aquarium's mission and the Department’s mission are
very similar and the Department has been involved with the project since its
inception. The Fishes of Oklahoma Gallery and the Karl and Beverly White Antique
Lure Museum are two of the exhibits that the Department helped sponsor. The
Department also sponsored the construction of a fishing pond that will be on the
grounds of the Aquarium. The pond will be used for fishing clinics with area
youth and school groups.

"We saw this as a perfect opportunity to educate residents and visitors
to Oklahoma about the role anglers play in conservation, said Harold Namminga,"
federal aid coordinator for the Department. "The Department doesn’t receive
state appropriated tax dollars. Instead, funding comes from the sale of hunting
and fishing license sales and a federal excise tax on hunting and fishing
equipment and motor boat fuels. These dollars are used for fisheries and
wildlife management, access improvement, research and education activities."

The Department signed a cooperative federal Sport Fish Restoration
Program grant with the Aquarium for $500,000 to sponsor the above exhibits, pond
and education center, added Namminga. Oklahoma is a very diverse state with
numerous fishing and hunting opportunities. These opportunities are due to the
financial support of anglers and hunters. Throughout the Aquarium visitors will
be exposed to the Sport Fish Restoration Program and how it has been used for
education, fisheries management and fishing access.

To get to the Department office follow Main street in Jenks to 9th
street. At the 9th street stoplight turn north and then take a right at the B
street stop sign. Follow the road south as it loops under the Arkansas River
Bridge approximately 1/2 mile to the Department office and Oklahoma Aquarium.
For additional information, call the Department’s new number at (918) 299-2334.

The new year is just a few days away, and it is time for Oklahoma sportsmen
to renew their annual hunting and fishing licenses. With few exceptions, annual
hunting and fishing licenses expire December 31 each year.

Bowhunters who plan to take advantage of the added January days need to be
particularly mindful about renewing licenses and permits. Unless archers possess
a lifetime hunting or lifetime combination license, they will need both a 2003
annual hunting license and a new 2003 archery deer license to hunt from Jan. 1
through Jan. 15 (antlerless deer only). Bowhunters who purchase a new 2003 deer
archery license, but do not harvest a deer in January, should hold onto their
permit. The unfilled license remains valid throughout the fall of 2003, during
times open to archery deer hunting.

Two licenses that do not expire Dec. 31 are state and federal waterfowl
permits (which run from July 1 through the end of the following June). In
addition, trapping licenses and the special Bobcat-Raccoon-Gray Fox license
expire Jan. 31 for raccoon and gray fox and Feb. 28 for bobcat.

For those who enjoy both hunting and fishing, a combination license is a
great bargain, and it means one less license you have to carry. Sportsmen can
save more than 15 percent off the cost of individual hunting and fishing
licenses by purchasing an annual combination license.

All annual licenses and even a subscription to “Outdoor Oklahoma” magazine
can be purchased at any license vendor statewide. For a $10 fee, people can
subscribe for one-year (six issues) to the Department's award-winning magazine
“Outdoor Oklahoma.” Some of the more popular auxiliary permits are the special
trout fishing permit, as well as permits for deer and turkey.

License requirements and exemptions are outlined in the “2002-2003 Oklahoma
Hunting Guide” and the soon-to-be-available “2003 Oklahoma Fishing Guide.” These
publications are available at hunting and fishing license dealers statewide or
by logging on the Department’s Web site at wildlifedepartment.com.

Information is also available from the Department's licensing section at
(405) 521-3852.